Kyocera Hydro Reach: Pros and Cons
Kyocera announced the launch of the Hydro Reach smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch TFT display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) operating system. This phone uses a 5 inch TFT display. This phone has only one rear-camera (5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- Kyocera Hydro Reach specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Kyocera Hydro Reach smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Kyocera Hydro Reach specifications
| Brand | Kyocera |
|---|---|
| Name | Hydro Reach |
| Model | C6743 |
| Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.97 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.47 x 2.84 x 0.39 inch |
| Colors | blue |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the Kyocera Hydro Reach is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | Adreno 304 |
The Kyocera Hydro Reach comes with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | TFT |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5 inch |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
This 5 inch smartphone comes with a TFT display. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Hydro Reach (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 2 MP |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Hydro Reach does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.1, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The Kyocera Hydro Reach supports 4G/LTE networks. This Kyocera phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Hydro Reach smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 2160 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 2160 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Hydro Reach does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | IP57 waterproof |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Kyocera phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
Cons
- TFT display
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.